How an Auto Repair Shop is Winning Female Customers With Social Media
How does a small auto repair business develop a thriving Facebook page–with over 60 percent female fans?
He always made an effort to develop personal relationships with his customers who trusted him with their cars. The business grew to three locations by 2010, and Matt found it harder to maintain the small-shop feel. “When you have multiple stores and multiple managers, you can’t be everything to everybody,” he said.
Think Like a Customer
When Gutierrez told her friends she was working for an auto repair shop, they laughed. “I only think about car stuff when I HAVE to,” she said. She compares taking her car in to going to the dentist. “I think I represent the average person that way,” she added.
Be Friendly and Tag Photos
Auto repair is an industry based on trust. Trust is built on knowing the people doing the work. “People buy from people,” said Matt. “Business is a lot easier when they know the people they are dealing with. The more transparent we can be—and social media gives us that opportunity—can only help build trust.”
She also makes an effort to tag photos as much as possible, although it can be complicated to tag a customer. She has to log into the business page as herself, be friends with the person she is tagging and they have to like the page.
Promote the Community
“Some of those stories we would tell over Facebook,” said Matt. “It is really promoting Free2B, but people come to realize that those things are happening at our shop. Without social media, some of those stories aren’t told.”
Essential Tools No Car Mechanic Should Be Without
Car mechanics reveal the 20 automotive tools they couldn’t live without, including a battery-powered impact wrench, an air ratchet, a bolt spinner and an automotive stethoscope.
The car mechanic tools you need in your toolbox
Doing your own car repairs saves a boatload of money and gives you bragging rights on Monday morning. (Yeah, I replaced my crankshaft over the weekend-so what?) But let’s be honest here—you’re really in it for the tools, right? That’s what I thought, so I asked three shop owners, our auto mechanic field editors and my gearhead friends to tell you about their favourite tools. I’ve also added all the special tools I wish I’d had when I first started bustin’ bolts (and knuckles). Most are less than $100. And you can use them for non-automotive projects too. There, isn’t that all the justification you need to buy more tools?
Impact wrench
David Marofsky and his auto salvage yard crew spend most of their time out in the yard yanking major components out of junk vehicles. So it’s no surprise that his tool of choice is a portable impact wrench. What does surprise me is that all the professional mechanics featured in this story routinely use battery-powered impact wrenches—and not just when they’re outside. In fact, David owns several of these workhorses and always keeps one near the hoist. “It hasn’t let me down yet,” he says. If you’re ready for power on the go and in the shop, check out a battery-powered impact wrench
Air ratchet
Kurt Spohn owns Action Auto Repair and shares our love of tools, so it’s no surprise that he recommends an air ratchet. Word to the wise: Be careful when reinstalling nuts and bolts. Make sure the threads are fully engaged before you hit the trigger. Because if they’re not, this ratchet is powerful enough to ram a cross-threaded bolt all the way home.
Flex-head ratchet
Paul Selbitschka owns a Precision Tune Auto Care shop that specializes in auto diagnostics and spends quite a bit of time under the hood doing tune-ups and computer diagnostics. Since I already had nominations for power tools, I asked him for his favourite hand tool. He didn’t hesitate for a second. He simply loves his flex-head ratchet. The ultra-thin head lets Paul squeeze into tight spaces, and the flex feature allows him to pivot the handle to get maximum leverage for loosening fasteners and spark plugs. The large plastic handle lets him put more muscle into the “break.” The ratchet really goes to town once the bolt is loose. Paul just twirls the handle 360 degrees and spins the nuts and bolts out in seconds.
Foreign & Domestic Auto Repairs
Quality auto repair is a partnership between a vehicle owner and their dedicated technician. This relationship saves lives–that is, engine lives
Quality Same-Day Services
We build lasting relationships with our customers. This way we can get to know your vehicle’s performance needs, your driving habits, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Your part in this owner/technician relationship is simple–all we need is your car, and your trust. Trust us to always have you and your vehicle’s best interest at heart. Auto repairs are our job, and we perform them with more speed and accuracy than any repair shop in this area. A trip to WCS Automotive’s repair facility doesn’t have to be an all day affair. We provide quality same-day services that make receiving auto service as convenient as possible. We understand that auto service appointments are an interruption to your already busy day.
If you’re seeing, hearing, or smelling that something’s not right with your vehicle, let us tell you what’s wrong. The faster you can get our professionals on the job, the faster we can get you back to worry-free driving. You’ve never driven your vehicle with more confidence than when you drove it off the dealer’s lot.
GOOD AUTO REPAIR
full-service auto repair shop working on all makes and models, including imports, domestics, hybrids, vintage cars, commercial vehicles, and RVs. We offer brake inspections & repair, anti-lock brakes, check engine scans, general and factory scheduled auto repair and more. We’re known for our exceptional, high quality service and family vibe, where all people, pets, and cars are welcome and treated with care and respect.
MISSION STATEMENT
We strive to support the community and everyone in it, from the soccer moms who need a reliable taxi cab to transport their precious cargo, to the person who has that classic beauty sitting in the garage and just wants it to run again.
Car Repair is known as a Volkswagen specialty shop, and while we continue to work on VWs and sell a large assortment of new and used VW parts over-the-counter, today, we do so much more! We have two ASE Master certified technicians trained and equipped to handle all major and minor repairs on both import and domestic vehicles, using the latest automotive technology. All of our technicians are continuously growing their knowledge and skills by enrolling in a variety of training courses such as Hybrid Diagnosis & Repair, Engine control systems,
Quality Auto Service
We treat our customers like family, and customer service like an art. Having our dedicated mechanics to handle your vehicle’s services will make sure you’re always on the road and on time. Come to us for total car care that can fix any performance issue you bring us. Our ASE Certified technicians are eager to service and eager to solve your automotive problems
not just auto service experts, but you can consider us your vehicle’s best friend. We know how to treat you and your vehicle the way you both deserve to be treated. Understanding the manufacturer’s intentions for your vehicle’s service and performance allows us to perform the most appropriate services
Returning your vehicle in tip-top shape, and keeping it there, is our number one priority. Our team understands that engineers are designing much more sophisticated vehicles these days. Technicians need to stay on top of all industry advancements, and our team stays on the cutting edge of all technology.
Vehicles with complex electrical systems need qualified technicians who understand how to service them. Engines that are built for increased power and performance also need
Quality auto service is the key to your vehicle’s longevity and peak performance. You need a team of technicians you can trust, who are dedicated to maintaining your vehicle’s enhanced performance. We understand that life on the road can be rough on your vehicle’s engine and components. Even if your vehicle has a simple commute and consistent driving routine, your personal habits, rough terrains, and the age of your vehicle will require special attention. From bumper-to-bumper we got you covered! As soon as you notice any malfunction with your brakes, engine, transmission, A/C, steering and suspension, fleet repairs, and much more, come see us first! Save yourself some time and money by trusting our shop’s total car care services.